2 friends and myself are flying out to either Salt Lake or Jackson (from the east coast) in the first week of August for a 9 day climbing trip. Our initial goal is to climb the Grand but other than that we dont have out heart set on anything so we are looking for suggestions from those more in the know for that area.

So the simple question is, where to go and what to do? Long multipitch trad is probably our first choice.

After climbing the Grand, spend a day here... world class setting.

Hike down from the tram unless you want the bonus workout.

www.mountainproject.com/v/rock-springs-buttress/105833991

Don't know about other things in the immediate area, but I combined a trip up the lower/upper Exum with a climb of Irene's arete. We stopped at the caves campsite that is on the trail up to the Grand, spent the night after climbing Exum and did Irene's the next day. Worked awesome and we got two climbs out of the walk up.

What route do you have in mind on the Grand? East ridge is a little more challenging than the two busiest routes (Exum and O-S), and should be less crowded. Amphitheater Lake is a much nicer bevy site, too.

Check out Mount Moran if you want a big adventure.

If you don't already have a copy, Rossiter's "Teton Classics" should provide plenty of inspiration and it's only $15 on Amazon.com.

www.amazon.com/Teton-Classics-2nd-Selected-National/dp/09346>>>

We arent set on a route yet but would probably prefer to stay away from the crowds. Difficulty wise any of the routes listed (on here at least) are well within our abilities so east ridge or something harder wouldnt be an issue.

Within like a 2-3 hour drive from there is there anything else we should check out while there? Back country routes included.

If you are only there for 9 days, why waste time driving around. There is sooo much to to in the Tetons alone. Glacier Route on the Middle is fun. Guides Wall is a classic (I know it can be busy but the multiple times I have done it, never had a problem. Lucky I guess). As mentioned, Moran is an adventure. Symetry Spire is great. Baxters Pinnacle is also a classic. Deff get the Rossiter guide and have at it. Tetons are classic "alpine cragging"!